It’s important to ‘check in’ with yourself: Tamannaah Bhatia on self-empowerment, fashion, and fitness

I think there is a human emotion that is common to all of us, regardless of which space and culture we come from. I feel cinema is a powerful medium to tap into that. While I choose stories that are rooted in us, I also feel a very important part is the core emotion. Like for example, a mother is a mother for anybody — the core relationship never changes. I think constantly channeling it is a likelier way to connect with people.

It’s getting better. There’s some part of the ‘wokeness’ that’s working very well for us. The women need to own up to themselves. I think we are fighting too hard. There’s too much of a struggle to empower us or there’s this constant need to outline that we are women and that we are struggling. We are the ones who are constantly putting that into perspective. But I feel it’s important that if you were to take the matter as much as possible in your own hands and not constantly go into a big party, then we are likely to arrive at something that empowers us.

For somebody who’s worked out for a while now, I think the most sustainable form of life has to be intuitive — be it fitness, food, work, or even doing things that you do for pleasure. The only thing that one can cultivate is a strong awareness of self. The ‘check in’ with yourself is important. I never follow a rulebook because every day, you feel a bit different. While I’m a big fan of routine and I’m that person who loves doing the same thing every day, I am also very intuitive about what’s going on with me. Do I need this today or can I do without it? Or would my day be better if I didn’t do it? Just to give you an example, if I have an extremely hectic schedule and I haven’t slept, I will not train that day; I’ll respect my body. My entire life is now being guided by priorities of well-being. That need has translated into everything about my diet, my workouts and lifestyle activities. 

My skincare routine is quite structured because I truly believe that consistency is the secret to good skin. As a brand ambassador for Shiseido India, I have an entire skincare regimen that I follow diligently. Skincare may seem mundane, but it’s all about routine, what you do consistently is what truly shows results. I always emphasise that skincare works as long as you commit to it. No matter how advanced or high-tech the products are, at the end of the day, we are a reflection of our habits. Just like with diet and fitness, if you take care of your skin daily, it will reward you. That being said, skincare alone isn’t enough. I believe glowing skin is a result of multiple factors—hydration, good nutrition, sleep, emotional well-being, and physical activity all play a huge role. While I am genetically blessed with good skin (thanks to my parents), I know that genetics will only take me so far. If I don’t nurture it with the right habits, it won’t last.

I do think that all of us are self-critical. I’m sure anybody who’s in the media glare or on social media today is conscious about how they’re presenting themselves. We all feel safe when we are like other people because it feels acceptable. If you want to be accepted, then you will be defined by other people’s ideas of what is a good body or what is the right kind of fashion expression you should have. But if you really want to impact people, then you have to channel what’s unique to you. And for that, if you were to just simply accept the best version of yourself, you’re likely to be impactful. I understand that I look different than other people, but that’s my strength as well.

When I need to recharge, I consciously take time for myself. I stay in my room, eliminate all light and text sources, and simply disconnect. I find this state of stillness incredibly regenerating. I also love spending time in my temple room, immersed in my sadhana. It brings me a deep sense of center and gratitude. Taking a moment to thank the universe for everything I have is important to me. Often, fulfillment comes not just from accomplishing things but from pausing to acknowledge them. If you’re constantly rushing from one task to another without absorbing your progress, it can feel like nothing was ever truly achieved. That’s why I make it a point to slow down and reflect.